As promised, here's an update and summary of my new short story, Middy's Touch (temporary title).
~
Two lives. Two curses. One rose. A pure touch with a deadly cost...
Madeline Gail (Middy for short) is the nineteen-year-old daughter of a business obsessed father. Separated by hundreds of miles, a lifetime of bitterness and regret, Middy is determined to follow the path she has chosen for herself without his say or blessing. Trouble is never far behind free-spirited, independent Middy, though, and a nearly fatal accident brings Sam Gail back into Middy's life; but not in the way she hopes or expects. Misfortune doesn't cease there, when the Sidhe faeries deign to intervene and spare Middy, and they exact a price for their generous services - the only reliable tradition of an unreliable race.
Waking from a three day coma, horrified Middy soon discovers that she has been inflicted with a new and shocking disease: a curse the Sidhe call Órga Dearne - Golden Palm.
With the support, wit, and love of her two best friends and a wild-eyed young stranger with a secret of his own, Middy dares the unimaginable.
Spanning the secluded valleys of Colorado and the sweeping, verdant hills of Ireland, one girl's future depends on her journey's merit. And a haunting question remains to be answered: is pure, unselfish love more treacherous and beautiful than a Golden Touch?
Stay tuned for the first, official chapter of Middy's Touch!
~
So there you have it! A description of my current project. Please be on the look-out for my new poem which will most likely be titled Subconscious Beauty and a post discussing/philosophizing on/about a passage from Pride and Prejudice...what I like to call "An Elizabeth Bennet Moment".
God bless & Sláinte!
~ Líadan Katy Glas
Monday, June 22, 2009
Friday, June 19, 2009
A Scene
Here's a scene that's been popping in and out of my head over the last two days at the most random times. I've decided to see where it takes me and will hopefully wind up with enough material for a short story. I swear! Just a short story! Not a short story that magically transforms into a novel. Discipline! Discipline is key!
Its feathers glittered for an instant before their brown softness was consumed, frozen in a prison of solid honey. As the grasping gold rippled over the wren's shuddering body, my heart released all its joy; all the joy that I had held back; had trained myself not to feel and not to notice. But the barriers I had long set in place crumbled against the force of the glowing happiness shooting through my limbs. I could no more hold back the tide of emotions that was now swelling in my chest and pouring out of my fingers in the form of liquid gold.
By the time I realized what I was doing, it was impossible to stop. The once-perfect, free creature in my hand was slowly dying. I was its murderer. Before one final, fatal, glistening wave plunged over its diminutive head, the wren unleashed a strangled cry; a cry which echoed the tortured sob that broke against my throat.
The sob became a scream as the enamority of what I had done hammered against my skull and thundered in my chest. I dropped the golden wren, now lifeless, and ugly, and imperfect with a sickening, garish glow. Fingers shaking, I looked up to find I couldn't see, blinded by tears, stunned by grief. A blurry view of the surrounding empty green hills only served to increase my despair. And as one by one my tears spilled to the ground, each blade of cool green grass became coated in pale gold, until a glittering upsurge drowned the entire countryside. Alone in a field of gold, newfound love dead at my feet, I raised my fists to the heavens and wailed.
~
"Middy! Middy, love, wake up!" The urgent whisper was warm against my ear, coaxing me back to the present, but not back to the light. For when I opened my eyes, the darkness continued to swallow my vision. But I didn't need sight to tell me whose arms held me, or whose lips were pressed against my hair.
~
I'll leave it at that for now. There is more to come for certain! Please tell me what you think. I would love to hear any and all feedback. Oh, and as I began this entry at 9:20 PM and have now finished it at 11:54 PM, please be aware that it is not up to my typical standards. I'm already hearing the echoes of editting. Begone evil voices!
I will also be revealing the main premise of the story in my next post, so stay tuned for updates and news!
Sláinte!
~ Líadan Katy Glas
Its feathers glittered for an instant before their brown softness was consumed, frozen in a prison of solid honey. As the grasping gold rippled over the wren's shuddering body, my heart released all its joy; all the joy that I had held back; had trained myself not to feel and not to notice. But the barriers I had long set in place crumbled against the force of the glowing happiness shooting through my limbs. I could no more hold back the tide of emotions that was now swelling in my chest and pouring out of my fingers in the form of liquid gold.
By the time I realized what I was doing, it was impossible to stop. The once-perfect, free creature in my hand was slowly dying. I was its murderer. Before one final, fatal, glistening wave plunged over its diminutive head, the wren unleashed a strangled cry; a cry which echoed the tortured sob that broke against my throat.
The sob became a scream as the enamority of what I had done hammered against my skull and thundered in my chest. I dropped the golden wren, now lifeless, and ugly, and imperfect with a sickening, garish glow. Fingers shaking, I looked up to find I couldn't see, blinded by tears, stunned by grief. A blurry view of the surrounding empty green hills only served to increase my despair. And as one by one my tears spilled to the ground, each blade of cool green grass became coated in pale gold, until a glittering upsurge drowned the entire countryside. Alone in a field of gold, newfound love dead at my feet, I raised my fists to the heavens and wailed.
~
"Middy! Middy, love, wake up!" The urgent whisper was warm against my ear, coaxing me back to the present, but not back to the light. For when I opened my eyes, the darkness continued to swallow my vision. But I didn't need sight to tell me whose arms held me, or whose lips were pressed against my hair.
~
I'll leave it at that for now. There is more to come for certain! Please tell me what you think. I would love to hear any and all feedback. Oh, and as I began this entry at 9:20 PM and have now finished it at 11:54 PM, please be aware that it is not up to my typical standards. I'm already hearing the echoes of editting. Begone evil voices!
I will also be revealing the main premise of the story in my next post, so stay tuned for updates and news!
Sláinte!
~ Líadan Katy Glas
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Musings about Manga/Anime
I have a confession. A pretty blunt opening statement, but I need to come right out and say: I'm a manga hypocrite. That's right, you heard me. Now being a hypocrite is typically frowned upon, but hypocrisy is just something human beings can't avoid. It's as rampant as sin. In fact, it is a sin - in most cases anyway.
Nevertheless, my being a manga hypocrite isn't a sin...at least I don't think it is. There are several literary and academic issues I'm severely outspoken about. No breaking news for anyone who's known me more than a day. The Twilight series and manga/anime are the two reigning champions for my hate and vehemence. I have nothing positive to say about either, save for the fact that graphic novels are some of the easiest items to shelve at the library. They virtually put themselves on the shelf.
This is where the hypocrite part comes in to play. I've started reading an adorable, well-written, honestly executed manga series titled Mika Falls. The characters are vivid and fresh, but being as it's manga and not a real novel, the principle characters tend to lack development and require more personality. Time for another blunt statement: I won't be forming any habits. I'm not suddenly an avid manga fan nor will I ever be such.
Reasons for my crusade against manga/anime:
*Manga/anime is hailed as a tool or agent that encourages reluctant children to read. In fact, graphic novels are sensory candy that appeal to the eyes (like a movie) rather than the literary mind. The child fails to use his imagination to supply his own idea about characters and places, sights and smells because the images have already been provided for him.
*Graphic novels are often violent and gory; more comic book than masterpiece.
*Storylines are easily recycled; i.e. "One day, Batman saved an old lady...THE END."
*Having to read them from back to front. I need a one-way ticket on the Frustration Express to Sulky Town when I start thinking about that aspect.
Okay, the last three aren't exceptionally profound reasons for my anti-manga attitude, but the first point is certainly legitmate.
Last statement/question: Honestly, what is the difference between manga and anime? That question was a rhetorical slip. My curiosity isn't that overpowering.
Sláinte!
~ Líadan Katy Glas
Nevertheless, my being a manga hypocrite isn't a sin...at least I don't think it is. There are several literary and academic issues I'm severely outspoken about. No breaking news for anyone who's known me more than a day. The Twilight series and manga/anime are the two reigning champions for my hate and vehemence. I have nothing positive to say about either, save for the fact that graphic novels are some of the easiest items to shelve at the library. They virtually put themselves on the shelf.
This is where the hypocrite part comes in to play. I've started reading an adorable, well-written, honestly executed manga series titled Mika Falls. The characters are vivid and fresh, but being as it's manga and not a real novel, the principle characters tend to lack development and require more personality. Time for another blunt statement: I won't be forming any habits. I'm not suddenly an avid manga fan nor will I ever be such.
Reasons for my crusade against manga/anime:
*Manga/anime is hailed as a tool or agent that encourages reluctant children to read. In fact, graphic novels are sensory candy that appeal to the eyes (like a movie) rather than the literary mind. The child fails to use his imagination to supply his own idea about characters and places, sights and smells because the images have already been provided for him.
*Graphic novels are often violent and gory; more comic book than masterpiece.
*Storylines are easily recycled; i.e. "One day, Batman saved an old lady...THE END."
*Having to read them from back to front. I need a one-way ticket on the Frustration Express to Sulky Town when I start thinking about that aspect.
Okay, the last three aren't exceptionally profound reasons for my anti-manga attitude, but the first point is certainly legitmate.
Last statement/question: Honestly, what is the difference between manga and anime? That question was a rhetorical slip. My curiosity isn't that overpowering.
Sláinte!
~ Líadan Katy Glas
As Charlotte Would Say: "Salutations!"
Greetings!
Welcome to Spectral Ink Smudges, the home and haven for my creative fiction and writings (A.K.A. ongoing experiments and adventures), as well as book reviews, the occasional epiphany, and literary rants. I'm Líadan Katy Glas, an aspiring author and college sophomore.
Since my first explorations into the world of literature as a homeschooled kindergartener, I've been swept away by countless stories, tales, and legends that have set me on the path I'm now toiling upon - the road that will lead me to become a published and well-received literary voice for young adults and independent readers all over the world. It is my sincerest hope and desire to also pursue a parallel path and become an English/Lit teacher on an Elementary, Middle School, or Secondary level. It can only be the workings and blessings of Our Lord that have led me to be so entirely passionate about something as simple and pure as the written word, because after all, He is the Word.
As for the category of fiction I enjoy writing or my particular style, I typically write fantasy or historical fiction with modern and quirky twists, i.e. Irish faeries, medieval dramas. I do not feature or approve of vampires or satanic being romances whatsoever! As villains, they are quite suitable.
Without further ado, I present my blog, Spectral Ink Smudges, for the enjoyment of fellow bloggers, friends, and myself.
~ Líadan Katy Glas
Welcome to Spectral Ink Smudges, the home and haven for my creative fiction and writings (A.K.A. ongoing experiments and adventures), as well as book reviews, the occasional epiphany, and literary rants. I'm Líadan Katy Glas, an aspiring author and college sophomore.
Since my first explorations into the world of literature as a homeschooled kindergartener, I've been swept away by countless stories, tales, and legends that have set me on the path I'm now toiling upon - the road that will lead me to become a published and well-received literary voice for young adults and independent readers all over the world. It is my sincerest hope and desire to also pursue a parallel path and become an English/Lit teacher on an Elementary, Middle School, or Secondary level. It can only be the workings and blessings of Our Lord that have led me to be so entirely passionate about something as simple and pure as the written word, because after all, He is the Word.
As for the category of fiction I enjoy writing or my particular style, I typically write fantasy or historical fiction with modern and quirky twists, i.e. Irish faeries, medieval dramas. I do not feature or approve of vampires or satanic being romances whatsoever! As villains, they are quite suitable.
Without further ado, I present my blog, Spectral Ink Smudges, for the enjoyment of fellow bloggers, friends, and myself.
~ Líadan Katy Glas
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